What Is Flame Retardant Tubing?

Flame retardant tubing is pneumatic tubing used in industrial compressed air systems. The material has flame retardant properties that reduce the risk of ignition or sustained burning when exposed to sparks or heat sources.

In welding, metal processing, or other environments where sparks are present, pneumatic lines may be exposed to elevated temperatures or transient heat sources. Under such conditions, flame retardant tubing can be used as part of the compressed air system configuration to reduce the risk of heat exposure or tubing ignition.

In pneumatic system design, the selection of flame retardant tubing is typically evaluated based on material flammability classifications. SHPI provides flame retardant pneumatic tubing that can be applied in environments such as welding and metal processing, where sparks and heat exposure may be present, as a configuration option for compressed air systems.

In SHPI product naming, this type of tubing is referred to as Anti-Spark Tubing.

Selection Considerations and Application Assessment

In pneumatic system design, the following evaluations can be made based on operating conditions:

• When welding sparks or high-temperature metal spatter are present around equipment, pneumatic lines may be exposed to transient heat sources → flame retardant tubing can be considered for the tubing configuration
• When pneumatic lines are routed near welding or machining areas → the flame retardant properties of the material should be considered
• When system design requires compliance with material flammability test standards → UL94 classification can be used as a reference for selection

Material Characteristics of Flame Retardant Tubing

Flame retardant tubing is typically manufactured from materials with flame retardant properties. While maintaining the basic flexibility and handling characteristics of pneumatic tubing, it provides a certain level of resistance to sparks.

Its flame retardant performance is commonly classified according to the UL94 flammability test standard, with different classifications corresponding to different combustion behaviors. In practical applications, V-0 is one of the commonly selected classifications.

In practical applications, the flammability classification of materials is commonly used as one of the reference criteria for selection. SHPI's flame retardant tubing products are developed based on these application conditions and classification requirements.

Typical Applications of Flame Retardant Tubing

• Compressed air line configurations in welding processes (e.g., automotive manufacturing lines)
• Pneumatic systems around metal processing and welding equipment
• Compressed air line configurations near high-temperature operating areas
• Industrial pneumatic systems with potential exposure to sparks or heat sources

Further Reading

→ What Is PU Tubing?

→ UL94 V-0 Flammability Classification (Testing and Classification)

→ Flame Retardant Tubing in Welding & Metal Processing